DoD Melanoma Academy Scholar Award

The MRP Melanoma Academy (MA) is a unique, interactive virtual academy providing intensive monitoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for early-career investigators. The overarching goal of the MA is to develop a network of successful, highly productive melanoma researchers in a collaborative research and career development environment.

The MA is a multi-institutional virtual career and research development platform that consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (primary mentors) and is managed by an Academy Director and Deputy Director (i.e., the MA Leadership). The MRP Melanoma Academy Scholar (i.e., the investigator named as the Principal Investigator [PI] on the MASA application) is expected to participate in all development and training activities hosted by the MA Leadership, such as participation in monthly webinars and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Additionally, the Scholar and Career Guide are expected to communicate and collaborate with other members of the MA (other Scholars and Career Guides, MA Leadership), and build relationships within the melanoma patient advocacy community.

The MA Leadership serves as a resource for the Scholars and Career Guides, assesses the progress of Scholars, and facilitates communication and collaboration among all Scholars and Career Guides, as well as with national research and patient advocacy communities. In addition to fostering scientific development, the MA Leadership provides opportunities for professional and leadership development of the Scholars, including the skills and competencies needed to fund and manage a productive laboratory. Applicants to the FY23 MASA can learn more about the MA on the MRP website.

The intent of the FY23 MASA is to solicit applications for Scholars to join the MA. This award mechanism enables the Scholar to pursue a melanoma project, under the guidance of a Career Guide, that may be basic, translational, and/or clinical research and addresses at least one of the FY23 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. The Career Guide is not required to be at the same institution as the Scholar. In addition to the activities described above, the Scholar and their Career Guide are required to attend a Department of Defense (DOD) MRP biennial multi-day MA workshop. In alternate years, they must also attend a DOD MRP MA 1-day workshop.

The MRP encourages applications from Scholars whose ability to commit to conducting melanoma research is limited by minimal resources or a lack of resources, such as a qualified Career Guide at their institution, access to melanoma research tools, opportunities for establishing collaborations, or other obstacles. The MRP also encourages applications from minorities.